Section 8A Preview
***Photo Credit: Bemidji Pioneer*** Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments set to begin next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. See Previous Section Previews Here Section 1A Section 2A Section…
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Continue Reading***Photo Credit: Bemidji Pioneer***
Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments set to begin next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.
See Previous Section Previews Here
Here’s what you need to know about Section 8A
Section 8 has two of the best teams in Class A as Cass Lake-Bena and Ada-Borup are both very good again. Two of the most consistent programs in the state over the last decade-plus, these two teams are both excellent on both ends of the floor. At this point, it would be something of a surprise if the two teams didn’t meet again in the section final. Though there are some teams certainly capable of making noise.
Favorite: Cass Lake-Bena
The reigning Section 8 champs head into the postseason looking like the favorite to represent the section in the state tourney again.
Jarell Jacobs is one of the best guards in the section – and the state – and capable of carrying the Panthers all the way to state. He’s had a monster junior season. Ethan Brown and Jared Brown are excellent two-way players for the Panthers. Throw in Miguel Reyes and Cass Lake has an explosive and dynamic cache of guards that can put teams into quite a pickle.
The Panthers have proven to be not only very good offensively, but excellent defensively. Their pace is difficult for most teams to deal with and their collective athleticism overwhelms even some solid teams. With just one loss on the year, the Panthers can expect to make an extended run in the postseason.
Next Up: Ada-Borup
The Cougars only recently suffered their first loss of the season and figure to be in the mix to represent Section 8 in the Class A state tournament. Ada wins with terrific defense and great floor balance. The Cougars have an experienced group of guards led by Jared Brainard, Tommy Stewart and Tommy Stevenson.
The key to the Cougars’ success though, is 6-foot-8 junior center Mason Miller. Miller’s a double-double guy inside, providing relentless energy on the glass and two-way productivity. He’s excellent on the defensive side of the ball and he can get 15-20 points per game without dominating the ball.
Contenders: Sacred Heart, Win-E-Mac
The Eagles figure to earn the No. 2 seed in Section 8A-West. Sacred Heart hasn’t played Ada-Borup or Cass Lake-Bena but the Eagles have done well against other section opponents, going 12-4.
Win-E-Mac might not win by racking up style points, but the Patriots play terrific defense and execute at a high level on the offensive end. The Patriots are led by senior big men Brekken Lindberg, who is a double-double machine in the paint. Sophomore guard Gavin Walker looks like a player to watch going forward as well.
In the Mix: Fertile-Beltrami, Red Lake
Fertile-Beltrami seems to be heading in the wrong direction as the Falcons have taken some lopsided losses in recent weeks after starting the year 12-4. Still, they play strong defense usually and have five guys who can go get double-digit points.
Red Lake doesn’t have a great record – the Warriors have been middling most of the year – but the Warriors have been competitive especially lately against some really good teams. Senior wing Keenan Swinson is one of the best pure scorers in the section.